2000 Ford Ranger Wont Start

senseijake · #1 02-03-2012, 05:15 AM

This is my first thread so I apologize ahead of time if there is not enough information or if this is in the wrong place.

I have a 2000 Ranger XLT 4x4 Off Road, Manual Transmission.
The Problem:
Turn Key, radio, fan, interior, and exterior lights all come on however the engine doesnt turn over. I do here the solenoid "Click" for the first few seconds, interior, exterior lights dim, I let off of the key and after a couple seconds all lights etc come back full strength.
The problem happened without warning.

What Ive Done:
Tried Jump starting, did not make a difference.
Removed Starter and had it tested at Napa. Tests Good.
Removed Battery had it also tested at Napa. Tests Good at 500 amps. Overall rating of battery in perfect condition is 590 amps.

What I plan on doing:
My next steps are to test the ground connection on the starter back to the battery.
Then test the power from the starter back to the batterys ground.
If that tests out good then Im kind of at a loss.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

ob269 · #2 02-03-2012, 06:48 AM

Sounds like a grounding issue to me my friend.. I have the same problem sometimes; if your on a slight incline/have a buddy just get your truck to roll a little bit and try it again.. sometimes its like its at the wrong agle or something..

Or yoy can just make sure you park at the top of a hill so you can always pop start it if need be..

sent from my android via tapatalk

modelageek · #3 02-03-2012, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by senseijake

This is my first thread so I apologize ahead of time if there is not enough information or if this is in the wrong place.

I have a 2000 Ranger XLT 4x4 Off Road, Manual Transmission.
The Problem:
Turn Key, radio, fan, interior, and exterior lights all come on however the engine doesnt turn over. I do here the solenoid "Click" for the first few seconds, interior, exterior lights dim, I let off of the key and after a couple seconds all lights etc come back full strength.
The problem happened without warning.

What Ive Done:
Tried Jump starting, did not make a difference.
Removed Starter and had it tested at Napa. Tests Good.
Removed Battery had it also tested at Napa. Tests Good at 500 amps. Overall rating of battery in perfect condition is 590 amps.

What I plan on doing:
My next steps are to test the ground connection on the starter back to the battery.
Then test the power from the starter back to the batterys ground.
If that tests out good then Im kind of at a loss.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I would check for power at the main cable at the starter like you mentioned. if you have power there then
my guess is something in the "starter control circuit" this consists of parts such as

1) ignition switch
2)RAP module(if you have one)
3)clutch positioning switch
4)starter relay
5) solenoid(this should have been tested when you tested the starter

senseijake · #4 02-03-2012, 10:28 AM

Awesome thanks for the input. I tried popping the clutch but I dont think I had enough speed.

Im going to be checking the ground and power to the starter tonight or tomorrow most likely and Ill give you all an update then.

What should I expect for readings voltage and resistance wise?
I would think that I should get 15v from the battery power to the starter correct?

ob269 · #5 02-03-2012, 10:30 AM

I'm not sure on that, check your haynes manual. It should give you all the readings you need..

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modelageek · #6 02-03-2012, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by senseijake

Awesome thanks for the input. I tried popping the clutch but I dont think I had enough speed.

Im going to be checking the ground and power to the starter tonight or tomorrow most likely and Ill give you all an update then.

What should I expect for readings voltage and resistance wise?
I would think that I should get 15v from the battery power to the starter correct?

-I think you should have about 12.5 at the main cable from the battery

-you should have about 12 at the small wire on the solenoid when the key is turned to the starter position.

-I am not sure about the resistance I want to say less than 5 ohms but I am not sure....just a guess

you mentioned the truck did not start when you popped it....maybe it was the speed but just a few thoughts about that
I think the ECU relay needs to be engaged for the starter to relay to have power(I think)........

-also if it did not pop start that could indicate a bad ignition switch...

start testing with the multimeter and I think you will have no problem figuring it out

FireRanger · #7 02-03-2012, 04:04 PM

I don't think it is anything to do with computers or.modules. sounds like a bad cable or clamp to me.

[Sent with the FRF Android App. So people can hate me even when I'm not at my desk!]

senseijake · #8 02-09-2012, 05:57 AM

Okay so I learned a new lesson and that is to not trust napa when they test your starter.

It tested good an I put it back in the truck and started getting arcing from my positive battery post.

Put the new starter in out of curiosity and the truck works like a charm.

Clearly they put so much amperage through to the starter that it will pretty much always start. So don't trust it if you have them test a starter and solenoid together.

Thanks for all help!